So you want to take a vacation. Here are some vacation planning tips to help you make the most out of your trip

You’ve been working long and hard, and it’s finally time for a little rest and relaxation. A vacation should be worry-free. So here are a few vacation tips to help you make the most of your travel plans.

1. Leave yourself plenty of time to plan
When you’re taking precious time for a vacation, you want to make sure it all turns out well and planning is part of the fun. Start planning well in advance so you have plenty of time to choose the right vacation spot.

2. Not sure where you want to go?
Ask around to see if your friends and family have any good recommendations. If they name a place you might be interested in visiting, take it a step further and ask them for recommendations on accommodations and excursions. By the same token, don’t be afraid to ask about any bad experiences they have had as well. This will help you to know places to avoid.

3. Do your research
Gather as much information as you can about any prospective vacation locations to learn more about what to expect in the area. Things like culture, the topography, the climate, the languages, the food, the currency, etc., will be important to know about before you go. Also, if going abroad, check for any federal government travel advisories.

4. Make your plans
You’ll want to book your transportation, hotel accommodations, and any daily excursions in advance. For more details on planning for a vacation, visit Are you planning to take a summer vacation? blog post.

5. Don’t forget the money
Make sure you have enough money so you can enjoy your time away. Your finances are probably the last thing you want to have to think about as you get to your vacation destination. And you certainly don't want to get there and realize you don't have access to your funds. You'll want to contact your financial institution to make sure you can access your account online and let any credit card companies know you will be travelling in case you need to use your card while you're away. Going abroad? Check out our story on Accessing your accounts when traveling abroad.

6. Consider travel insurance
A vacation is an investment. You never know what might happen - a missed fight, a lost wallet, a natural disaster or a medical emergency. Having travel insurance could be worth it.

Have you taken a vacation lately? Maybe it's time to think about saving for your dream vacation.

Tell us about any tips that were helpful to you. Please share in the comment section of this blog post.